Of the major interstate highways, I-90 is the longest, stretching a whopping 3,101 miles from Seattle to Boston. Road-tripping the whole way in an RV isn’t for the faint of heart, but even the hardiest of experienced travelers need a break every now and then. Here are some of the top roadside attractions on I-90 you won’t want to miss.
Roadside attractions on I-90
1. Eternal Flame Falls, New York
If you’re starting your trip on the east coast, make your first stop the Eternal Flame Falls in Orchard Park, New York.
This phenomenal natural wonder emits natural gas which is lit to produce a small flame visible year-round. Located in the Shale Creek Preserve, a part of Chestnut Ridge Park, it’s about a 15-minute hike to the falls from the Chestnut Ridge Road.
2. Olde Avon Village, Ohio
Take a trip back in time at Olde Avon Village in Avon, Ohio. Created in 1995, the village gives visitors a feel for what life in the mid-1800s was like.
Restored buildings, barns, and unique shops full of clothing, food items, jewelry, antiques, and more all contribute to giving an authentic 19th century feel. Dining opportunities include the Chez Michel French Market, Tree House Tea Room Restaurant, or Strip Steakhouse.
3. Witches Gulch, Wisconsin
While the town of Wisconsin Dells is known for its waterparks (it has more waterslides per capita than anywhere else in the world), skip the lines and head to the Witches Gulch, a slot canyon surrounded by woodlands and only accessible via the Upper Dells Boat Tour. Admission to this geological wonder is only $5.
4. Jolly Green Giant Statue, Minnesota
Located in Blue Earth, Minnesota, this 55.5-foot-tall statue of the Jolly Green Giant has been standing over visitors since 1978. Surprisingly, the statue is not affiliated with the Green Giant vegetable company.
Its origins come from a local radio station owner named Paul Hedberg who hosted a show called “Welcome Travelers” where he interviewed people passing through town and gave them Green Giant vegetables canned locally.
When I-90 was built, bypassing Blue Earth, Hedberg thought a life-sized giant by the freeway might bring drivers to town. His project was funded by local businesses and the Giant was built the summer of 1978.
5. Corn Palace, South Dakota
A must-see stop on any I-90 road trip, the folk-art wonder known as Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota has grown into a major attraction culminating annually in a five-day Corn Palace Festival in August to celebrate all things corn.
Parkerdr, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Corn Palace and its accompanying festival started back in 1892 when the 3,000 residents of Mitchell wanted to celebrate the corn harvest.
The palace itself is a Taj Mahal-inspired arena featuring unique corn murals. It was built to showcase the state’s bountiful agricultural climate and now attracts some 500,000 tourists each year.
6. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
While in South Dakota, visit Keystone to see the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the face of the Black Hills, a visual reminder of our nation’s history.
It’s only $11 to park and visit this national treasure, though during the peak tourist season of June through August, it may be a little crowded. A walking path will take you to the base of the monument.
7. Devil’s Tower, Wyoming
Take a short detour off I-90 to visit the Devils Tower National Monument, an awe-inspiring geologic feature as well as a place of storied history. The National Monument has long been considered a sacred spot by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people, who have lived around the Tower for thousands of years.
During the late 1800s, white settlers and explorers came to the area who protected the Tower and its surrounding area, using it as a summer gathering place.
Today, the Tower is used by rock climbers climbing the hundreds of parallel cracks in the monument. There are many perspectives of the Tower and hikes around it offer some of the many varying views.
8. Little Bighorn Battlefield, Montana
History buffs will also want to check out the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Located near Crow Agency, Montana, this National Monument memorializes the Battle of Little Bighorn, a fight between several thousand Lakota and Cheyenne warriors and the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry led by Lt. Col. George A. Custer.
On June 25 and 26, 1876, 263 soldiers lost their lives. Custer National Cemetery is also located at the monument.
9. Couer d’Alene, Idaho
Make a pit stop in the beautiful town of Couer d’Alene, Idaho. This town has year-round adventure from golfing to hiking, paddling, climbing, biking, and more. Try a Lake Couer d’Alene cruise or visit the downtown art walk or farmer’s market.
There are over 100 shops and restaurants to peruse as well as rich history to explore at the North Idaho History Museum or through a cultural experience like panning for gold.
10. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
Once you’ve reached Snoqualmie, Washington, you’re almost to the end of the road in Seattle. Take a detour to visit one of America’s most beautiful waterfalls (and also a recognizable feature from the hit show “Twin Peaks”), Snoqualmie Falls.
Cefka, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This is one of Washington State’s most popular attractions drawing more than 1.5 million visitors each year. In addition to viewing the 270-foot waterfall, there is a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, and the Salish Lodge, a luxury hotel resort and spa.
